On a 53-man roster, it’s challenging for every player to have equal time on the field. However, several Chicago Bears players were underutilized last season. Despite their limited playing time, these three Bears players demonstrated elite athleticism and flashes of brilliance. Next season should offer more opportunities on the field for several reasons.
Why These Chicago Bears Players Deserve More Playing Time
DT Gervon Dexter Sr.
It was evident last season that Gervon Dexter Sr. deserves more playing time. With steady improvement throughout his rookie season, Dexter Sr. was challenged by defensive line coach Travis Smith not to come back the same person. “When you come back, I don’t want to notice you. I don’t want you to look the same, walk the same, talk the same.” With DT Justin Jones leaving, Dexter Sr. is expected to step up as a key starter on the defensive line next season. Aware of these expectations, he has set specific goals, which he keeps on his lock screen as a constant reminder.
- Eight plus sacks
- 15 plus TFL
- Pro Bowl
- All Pro
Those are lofty goals for a guy who’s only entering his second season in the NFL. However, Dexter Sr. possesses the athletic abilities to achieve all of them. With increased playing time, Dexter Sr. is poised for a breakout season in Chicago.
RB Roschon Johnson
Fourth-round pick Roschon Johnson excited many Bears fans when he bulldozed Packers’ Rudy Ford for a first down during the Bears Week 1 loss to Green Bay. Despite a strong debut, Johnson finished last season with only 81 carries for 352 yards and two touchdowns. Like his time at Texas, where he shared the backfield with Bijan Robinson, Johnson now faces a similar situation with the Bears. Next season, he’ll share touches with D’Andre Swift and Khalil Herbert. Although Swift was signed to a massive three-year, $24 million contract, that doesn’t eliminate the possibility of Johnson getting more touches. His ability to break tackles and grind for extra yards should earn him more snaps next season. Additionally, Johnson offers an advantage that Swift and Herbert don’t: the ability to block in the backfield.
Roschon Johnson. pic.twitter.com/2lssFfiAhN
— Dave (@dave_bfr) September 10, 2023
CB Terell Smith
The Bears have an elite cornerback room featuring All-Pro Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, and one of the NFL’s top slot CBs in Kyler Gordon. Despite this depth, Terell Smith received opportunities throughout the year and proved to be a valuable addition. A fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Smith excels at locating the ball and maintaining solid positioning on opposing receivers. His ability to perform at a high level of guarding in press and zone coverage is an added benefit to the team.
However, Smith needs to improve his aggressiveness in run defense. A lack of aggression can be a problem in the NFC North when the Bears have to guard the likes of Josh Jacobs, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Aaron Jones. If any of the three starting corners struggle during a game, Smith should be the player to step in and take on crucial snaps for the Bears defense.
Main Image: Brad Mills – USA Today Sports
